VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL) -- Valdosta Elks and Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 1000 honored local airmen deployed overseas. The event had a birthday party celebrating up and coming birthdays of the children of some airmen. Plus, spouses of the deployed airmen from 822nd Base Defense Squadron were given a chance to talk to their loved ones via Skype.
John Gates of Purple Heart says that deployment can be extra stressful on loved ones staying on the mainland because they still have to balance the everyday stresses of life, with the worry that their husband or wife might not come back alive. Gates added that this event can relieve that stress with military families honoring one another, as well as taking a break to enjoy life.
He said "The community is not to be afraid of, but we're also a helping hand. And we are out there."
"It's extremely important to create bonds and connections with each other and so any event that we can come together for is important and this is one of those times," said Laurie Burk, Key Spouse for Moody Air Force Base.
